The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the murder of a 70-year-old woman, Talatu Joshua, who was attacked by four men in Gobir village, Kirfi Local Government Area, following accusations of witchcraft.
The suspects—Rilwanu Usman, Ali Isa, Ila Alhaji Marafa, and Jamilu Malam Usman—allegedly ambushed the elderly woman on March 2, 2025, inflicting severe injuries, including a deep wound beneath her left ear.
She was rushed to the General Hospital in Kirfi, where she was later pronounced dead.
According to a statement from Bauchi Police spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakili, the suspects were arrested on March 8, 2025, and are currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation.
The attack was reportedly instigated by a traditional healer’s claim that Talatu was responsible for the illness of Ramatu Yusuf, the wife of one of the suspects.
Acting on this accusation, the men allegedly confronted her, threatened her life, and then attacked her with sticks, leading to fatal injuries.
Meanwhile, a petition submitted by ADA-LIGHT KWALTINGS, SAMUEL & PARTNERS alleged that police officers in Kirfi failed to arrest the suspects immediately despite knowing their identities.
It claimed that on March 2, 2025, around 4:00 PM, Talatu was attacked while returning from St. Benedict Catholic Church, with the suspects using sticks, knives, and cutlasses to inflict fatal wounds before bystanders could intervene.
The petition also claimed that despite being contacted, the police initially took no action. Officers reportedly arrived at the scene, confirmed the victim’s death, and told the complainant they would provide an update the next day, leaving the body without further instruction.
The following morning, when no response came, the complainant reached out to an officer who allegedly advised proceeding with the burial, stating that all necessary details had been documented.
Additionally, the petition accused the police of inaction, allowing the suspects to evade immediate arrest. It described their failure to act as “inhumane, illegal, and unjustifiable,” warning that it could threaten peace in the community.
In response, CSP Wakili dismissed some of the petition’s claims as “unsubstantiated,” clarifying that law enforcement officers are not medically qualified to declare death.
He also refuted allegations that police ignored the case, insisting that investigations must follow due process.
Providing an update, Wakili confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody on March 8 at around 5:30 AM.
He cautioned against spreading false information that could undermine police efforts and disrupt public order.
“The Bauchi State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served and handling this case with professionalism and objectivity,” Wakili assured.